Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Croupy Crouperson

Our poor little munchkin has come down with croup. She woke up around 10 last night sounding really congested with a cough. The cough has now manifested into croup. For those that don't know what it sounds like...imagine the sound a seal makes. It's quite horrible sounding - especially from a child that is only 19 months old!

So that is what we are dealing with. For a good part of the day today, she acted like she felt okay (for the most part) - but that sound...coming out of that little child... is enough to alarm anyone! She has a slight fever and we have it under control with tylenol/motrin but she still feels warm to the touch. She was also given some medication from her doctor to help her breathe better. :)

We were told that one of use should sleep in her room with her throughout the night. Right now we have the monitor on and can hear her - but once we decide to go to bed - we'll be taking shifts. I am a new mommy and I don't want to rely on the monitor (which already has major volume issues) so we'll be on shifts tonight. It was Erik's idea to do the shifts. Last night was a longggg one for me so I am welcoming the shift work tonight! :)

So...here's praying for SOME sleep tonight....hope all of you have some too!

We have had the croup and it is NO FUN! You probably know this, but it is the best trick I know (and nights are the worst, so this is an easy way to help ease her hacking) if she is coughing and can't catch her breath, go into your smallest bathroom, shut the door, turn the shower on to the hottest water possible (curtain open if possible), and just sit there in the room until it is filled with steam. Make your own little sauna. It does wonders! Just remember that a rush of cool air can start her up again, so ease her back into the rest of the house (just open the bathroom door a bit at time or something--she may be asleep by then anyways). Good luck!